Twelve week challenge

Friday, Jan 2, 2009

83 Comments

1. I have committed to giving it my best shot. We are hoping to travel to our baby in Vietnam in a couple of months and I want to feel more comfortable in my clothes and to look better in the pictures that we will be showing him for the rest of his life.

   Comment by Dawn (January 2, 2009 @ 4:52 pm )

2. Also on a diet. 12 weeks, huh? I’m more a 12 day commitment kinda girl. But maybe I could give 12 weeks a shot…

   Comment by Sarah (January 2, 2009 @ 5:00 pm )

3. I think losing 30-40 lbs has been my goal for the last 5-6 years. I’ve taken some big dents in it before, but it always comes back (and usually brings some friends). For workouts I picked up P90X after seeing a couple friends get really visible results. Only problem w/ that is it takes an hour. Main thing for me is portion control. The P90X workout is 90 days too. Tell ya what, I’ll compete with you. And on % loss, not just nominal pounds. March 31 is contest end. Gonna take some real discipine as my wife is usually a good workout partner but has no interest in that whilst growing #5 inside her.

   But I’m in. Today’s weight is 245. Game on.

   Comment by Mike (January 2, 2009 @ 5:38 pm )

4. I’m with you! 10 baby pounds, 10 my-fault pounds, know running would do it but hate running and can’t jog more than 1 block. March! We’ll do it! What’s the plan?

   Comment by Mystie (January 2, 2009 @ 5:39 pm )

5. I keep thinking I am doing okay….after all, I just had a baby…well, my baby is no 2 so there is no excuse (other than 5 little ones). I’m in as well, although I would prefer to lose the 30 pounds in a week or so….I am a little impatient, and I really like my food (coke):)

   Comment by Jo (January 2, 2009 @ 5:47 pm )

6. Count me in! Only I need to lose a lot more than 10 pounds…

   Comment by petersonclan (January 2, 2009 @ 6:06 pm )

7. Great post! I’m very much about practicalities, as well, and no - just like you - that I’m never STUCK anywhere!

   Comment by Tami (January 2, 2009 @ 6:07 pm )

8. Tell ya what, I’ll compete with you. And on % loss, not just nominal pounds.

   OK. That’s only fair. I told Carri (petersonclan) that % is the only fair way to compete. Greg sneezes and loses a pound, so it has to be %.

   We’ll do March 31 just to make it fair. I mean, who knew I was going to spring this on me (and you)? I’m impulsive but I’m committed.

   There is a diet diary log on the top of my blog.

   I need to think up a great prize (other than just getting a new body, new life, new attitude, new energy…).

   Comment by Amy Scott (January 2, 2009 @ 6:29 pm )

9. I’m pregnant (due July), so I’ll need to do this NEXT year. LOL!

   Comment by Noah (January 2, 2009 @ 6:32 pm )

10. I’m dieting as well. I keep saying I need to do it - I’m carryng around an extra 45 pounds and I have no pregnancy to blame!

    So far so good! Two days of measuring/recording my food and two days of exercise. Hopefully it pays off!

    Comment by Cassandra (January 2, 2009 @ 7:09 pm )

11. Oh, I’m in! I’ve been working out very diligently in December, but nothing budged. So, I guess I have to stop noshing cookies and candy, drat.

    I’m hoping to run a 5k on April 4th. I’ve never run more than a mile (when I was a teenager!) and right now I have about 30 pounds that need a one-way ticket to anywhere but my butt!

    Comment by MrsMK (January 2, 2009 @ 7:18 pm )

12. Could you define ‘purposeful eating’? That’s the part that trips me up on these challenges.

    Comment by Lady Why (January 2, 2009 @ 7:19 pm )

13. Yup. I’m right there with you. I just had my 4th baby in 4.5 years and I’ve got several babies worth of weight to lose. Woohoo! Mine is going to take longer than 12 weeks though…

    Comment by Rebecca (January 2, 2009 @ 7:23 pm )

14. I’m expecting baby #5 sometime in the next 2 weeks. I didn’t lose 13 lbs after baby #4 (first time I didn’t lose it all), plus I gained 40 lbs this time around. So, I anticipate some serious dieting starting in a month and lasting for quite a few months….

    Comment by HeatherHH (January 2, 2009 @ 7:31 pm )

15. I’m not on a diet, but my “word” for the New Year is “health”. So in that spirit, I look forward to seeing how you get “healthy”. I’m sure you’ll do great. =)

    Comment by Andrea@Flourishing Mother (January 2, 2009 @ 7:42 pm )

16. i’m in too. I lost about 25 this past summer, gained 10-ish back (I could kick myself). I’d like to lose 2 lbs a week. Self control…not gratifying the flesh…that’s the name of the game for me…

    Comment by Jenny (January 2, 2009 @ 8:03 pm )

17. ok Amy. I read your post and the comments while eating a candy bar. First one I’ve had in a long time. My problem is not weight (I’m ducking) and we normally eat really healthily for heart purposes. But the flab on empty bones is what needs a major overhaul…so after a half hour of doing anything else I could find, I just went up and down the stairs until my heart was pounding in my ears. that took about 5 minutes and I was going s l o w. So count me in please –for exercise,– or there will be no bones to hold my skin up or my heart will rebel. I use the excuse I have no time (baby sit and transcribe and home and church stuff) and when there’s a few minutes I read somebody’s blog. And any exercise has got to be done inside. I don’t go out until it’s at least 50. Maybe after 12 weeks it’ll be a habit. So hang in there, Amy, we’ll all keep each other going!

    Comment by Lois (January 2, 2009 @ 8:07 pm )

18. Okay, I’m in. I’m off to weigh and measure myself. Can I have a celebratory candy bar to kick off twelve weeks to a better me? No? I didn’t think so.

    Comment by Tressa (January 2, 2009 @ 8:29 pm )

19. Hi Amy, Count me in! I began my exercise/purposeful eating around Nov. 1st, right before our baby turned 1. (Remember me? We both had #6 about a week a part). I was 20 lbs overweight. 12 have come off and I have about 8 more to go. I want to encourage you and everyone else because I feel SO-O-O much better than I did a couple of months ago. I am very motivated to take the rest off and get in better shape. I have begun running and that is something I have never done. I’ve walked but never been a runner. After about a month of it, I am beginning to like it! So, let’s encourage each other. Yes, March 31st… let’s reach our goals together! Can we have a weekly time to report exercise/weight loss? I’d find that motivating.

    Comment by Tina (January 2, 2009 @ 8:33 pm )

20. I’m with you! I have 10 lbs to lose, (everyone can hate me, too..!) but I am very small framed, so it makes a big difference on me, and because I am so close, it is really really hard to lose. I started 2 weeks before christmas, lost 5 lbs and was finally not distressed when I caught myself in a mirror, and I could fit into some of my clothes..and then I gained 3 back during Christmas week. ugh! Part of it is that I look nicer and younger, but the big part is that I just feel so much better, healthier, more energy, and also that I can wear my jeans again.

    good luck!

    Comment by Jenny in Ca (January 2, 2009 @ 9:12 pm )

21. Me too!!! I’m in and up for the competitive stuff…. got to make it worth while. Losing weight would be great, but I need to focus on having more energy.

    Are you doing BFL again? You mentioned that you did that program many posts ago.

    Do we need to email you our weight to keep it honest?

    Comment by Weighed Down! (January 2, 2009 @ 9:16 pm )

22. I’ll see your 20 and raise you 20. I became a mother last january (via adoption, so I truly have no excuses) and I have no idea what happened… I’m in.

    Comment by Kathy (January 2, 2009 @ 9:34 pm )

23. I love to run, please don’t hate me. It is just part of me. However, I have found something that makes me look even more forward to getting my miles in: I started listening to books on CD when I run. I am currently listening to C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia books. Sometimes it makes me get another mile in because I only allow myself the pleasure of listening when I am running. I keep the volume down enough so that I am able to hear what is going on around me. I discovered today that if I put on one of the CD’s when my kids are cleaning their rooms, they don’t complain as much. So if you hate to exercise, listen to a good book.

    Comment by Jodi (January 2, 2009 @ 9:47 pm )

24. I hadn’t planned to diet, but you have me almost convinced. are you running outside? I’m not sure I can go that far just yet.

    Comment by Amy@ GrowingLikeTrees (January 2, 2009 @ 10:06 pm )

25. Amy and others,
    for those who want to seriously tone while you do cardio, you oughta check out Callanetics.com and read about it. You would be amazed at how effective it is.

    I am in!

    Andrea

    Comment by andrea (January 2, 2009 @ 10:10 pm )

26. Amy, you are so funny. The Lord always uses you to encourage me. I’ve had 1 (30) too many chocolate peanut butter balls and now I’m ready to discipline myself for the purpose of godliness (I actually was meditating on that verse as I ate them, realizing my time of enjoyment was short). I think I’ll try your 12 week strategy (thanks for sharing it!), and I’ll be encouraged knowing that I’m not the only one killing myself. I like the way you think.

    Comment by kat (January 2, 2009 @ 10:15 pm )

27. I need the accountability and I can’t afford to join Weight Watchers (as much as I love them and as great as the point system has worked in the past for me).

    March 31. Fifteen pounds. Not getting out of breath climbing 8 steps to the house. I’m committed.

    Good thing the peanut butter cookies are almost gone….

    Comment by MrsBurns (January 2, 2009 @ 10:26 pm )

28. I can do 12 weeks! I’ve got about 35 pounds I’d like to lose. I’m going to call it baby weight. I haven’t been pregnant for over four years, but I have had three babies in the last three years (adoption)…that counts…right? So, do you have a specific plan you follow? I’d love to see how everyone does with this!

    Comment by Diane (January 2, 2009 @ 10:50 pm )

29. I think that’s a great idea! Last year at this time my daughter was 10 months old and I managed to fit back into a pair of pre-pregnancy pants… my elation was short-lived, though, because I found out I was pregnant about a week later. Ah, God has a great sense of humour. So, now that my son is two months old, my goal once again is those pre-preggo clothes. 12 weeks is good - long enough to establish a habit, not long enough to drive us crazy.

    Comment by Kari (January 2, 2009 @ 11:13 pm )

30. I use a loose version of Body for Life. If you read the book, you’ll recognize the 12 weeks and the 20 minutes of cardio (3 days, but I pump it up to 6 days). It was a long time ago that I read it, so I don’t know….you’ll have to read it with a filter since I recall it being very self-focused. But the “how to workout” stuff is what I needed since I had no clue.

    I thought the 6 meals was too much food (fist sized portions). Other than that, I basically just did what it said. No special food combinations. Nothing fancy. Just no sweets until your “off day” which for me is Sunday.

    You hard core people, send me your starting weight. I won’t publish it. And I’ll think up a way to check in. I didn’t realize ya’ll would be all serious. Good for you! I think I’ll do some updates, some encouragment, stuff like that. Since it seems there are a lot of us in this together. Except Tina, oh Tina, I remember we had our babies together, and I remember feeling like I should do something around her first birthday, but I ignored the gnawing feeling (wanted to be standard here and go for New Years…), but you did it! Good for you. Let’s keep at it.

    If anyone wants the book, BTW, I see it’s selling for $0.46 on Amazon.

    I’ll start a blank thread next Friday so we can weigh in, sound good?

    Comment by Amy Scott (January 2, 2009 @ 11:21 pm )

31. I’m in — maybe I can lose 12 pounds in 12 weeks. 20 minutes a day of hard cardio? You’re going to kill me. Wonder how I can do that inside with four toddlers climbing on me….

    Comment by Amy@ GrowingLikeTrees (January 2, 2009 @ 11:26 pm )

32. Gave away the Nutter Butters; I’m in!

    Comment by Cheryl (January 2, 2009 @ 11:59 pm )

33. I am in this too! I have been really telling myself that I needed to start eating heather again the last few weeks. I have been terrible for the last month! I have really bumped up the exercise but when I get home from visiting family (tomorrow) I have to start eating better too.

    Comment by Rhonda (January 3, 2009 @ 12:11 am )

34. I jumped on my treadmill the last two days. My plan is 20 minutes 6 days a week and sin-sible eating…I mean sensible eating:o) No sweets starting Monday the 5th. I like the idea of one day off though. I just had my baby 3 months ago but have had 3 before him and didn’t really loose too much of that chub. I am tired of being fat:o)…plus the big 4-0 is around the corner. Fat and forty just doesn’t appeal to me!

    Comment by Sandi (January 3, 2009 @ 12:41 am )

35. I’m also pregnant with #5. I’m really looking forward to not being pregnant so I can see some pounds come off… now if I can manage to not get pregnant again right away I’ll be in too!

    Comment by Sarena (January 3, 2009 @ 1:45 am )

36. I’ve actually lost 25 lbs. in the last two months, thanks to some parasites picked up from drinking the water. I know, I know, silly thing to do. Only drinking bottled water now.

    But that’s like shutting the barn door after the cow’s already out.

    After a 13-day treatment we are hopeful we’ve evicted the visitors. But that leaves me with another 25 lbs. to lose in a HEALTHY manner. So definitely count me in. I’ve already started walking and have been doing pretty good about eating healthy (hey, it WAS the holidays!).

    Comment by Kim (January 3, 2009 @ 5:13 am )

37. Hi Amy,
    Thanks for being brave enough to share your diet diary! It is encouraging to be reading a diet diary by a ‘real’ person. Committed to eating healthier and exercising more in 2009 (at least right after we move house in two weeks!).
    Mel (Australia)

    Comment by Mel (January 3, 2009 @ 5:35 am )

38. I am in for 12 weeks, or to the end of March. I refuse to divulge my weight, but it ain’t pretty. I just picked up a step-counter attached to a little book called “The Step Diet”, which has all sorts of practical advice like “don’t overeat”, “choose wisely”, and “move more!”

    I am in the process of moving as much as I normally do, and recording it, as well as eating my normal diet and recording that. At the end of the week, I am to take stock of the number of steps and the pattern of eating, and make little changes. The book encourages a minimum of 2,000 extra steps per day. I plan to do just that.

    I’ll let you know how it goes.

    Comment by Janet (January 3, 2009 @ 5:37 am )

39. I’m in! I can’t blame the 15 lb. I want to lose on my kids, since my “baby” is 7. I decided back in Nov. I needed to lose 15 lb., since for years I’ve wanted to lose 10, and in the past year it became 15. It just needs to stop, because I’m in my early 40s now and let me tell you it gets harder and harder I vowed to lose the 15 by the end of Feb. By the end of the year I had lost 5 (although I gained 1 back with Christmas), so now 11 to go. I am cutting out snacking, only having a yogurt and apple for lunch, and eating normal dinner. I already ride 30 min. daily on the stationary bike and have added 20 min. weight traning video twice a week. So glad to have friends to do this with! I’m sending prayers out to everyone who is trying - it’s not easy!

    Comment by Susan (January 3, 2009 @ 6:22 am )

40. Um, I think I’ve been on a diet since I was eleven.

    Comment by Kim (January 3, 2009 @ 7:05 am )

41. Ohh, I wish I could join you all. I had 5 lbs to go to get to my pre-pregnancy weight and about 15 to get to where I wanted to be when I got pregnant again and had to ditch my couch-to-5k training in the third week.

    I’ll be thinking about you though. Run hard and eat well, for me

    Comment by gwen (January 3, 2009 @ 9:25 am )

42. I’m in! I’ve got 10 lbs from baby #4 and I know it can be gone in 12 weeks even with a bum knee. Might have to get a little creative but it is certainly possible. I’m horrible with portion control but will see it as an opportunity to exercise my self control and discipline. btw, I’m equally spoiled. I got the same camera from my husband for my birthday and LOVE it!

    rixja in FL

    Comment by rixja (January 3, 2009 @ 10:12 am )

43. I’m in. My baby turns 9 tomorrow, so there are no excuses. I’ll start in earnest on Monday.

    Comment by Mrs. King (January 3, 2009 @ 10:28 am )

44. [...] Take the 12-week health challenge January 3, 2009 … with Amy Scott [...]

    Pingback by Take the 12-week health challenge | The Daily Scroll (January 3, 2009 @ 10:55 am )

45. Losing extra weight makes me feel so much better and is more of a priority than how I look. I stopped eating flour and sugar a year ago and noticed weight loss, more energy, no more hypoglycemia, and a friend said I actually “glowed”. Over the last few months, I’ve eaten tons of flour, sugar, and chocolate and feel horrible. Mentally and physically sluggish, extra weight hanging on, cravings, blood sugar swings and I don’t glow. Since today is my birthday and I must celebrate with chocolate cheesecake, I’ll be starting my reformed eating on Monday. Dropping flour and sugar makes a difference pretty fast so I’m optimistic. I’m not setting a deadline for myself as I want this to be the way I eat until I reach Heaven.

    Comment by Lisa in NM (January 3, 2009 @ 11:02 am )

46. Hi Amy,
    Count me in! I will send you my weight by email. I have done weight watchers this past year and lost 18-20 lbs. But then I lost my momentum and not only not lost that last 15lbs but am regaining it slowly. So I would like to lose 15-20 lbs more. I have found that when I count my points it really does work. I also workout at Curves, which I will try and be diligent with. I am excited about the accoutability and Christian fellowship through it all. So what is the plan for our support? Keep me posted…..let’s go girls!!

    Jennifer Ervin

    Comment by Jennifer Ervin (January 3, 2009 @ 12:04 pm )

47. I’m in. I think. No, I’m in. On Monday.

    Comment by Ginny (January 3, 2009 @ 12:21 pm )

48. I am in!!Would love to lose 30 by summer!How do you all fit in exercising with homeschooling,other responsibilities and winter weather.? Also, if anyone can refer to a good maintenance plan to keep it off.Let us in on it! Thanks!

    Comment by DENISE (January 3, 2009 @ 2:03 pm )

49. For those of us doing this challenge, I wanted to just put in a plug for Curves. I can go in to my Curves workout and it takes 30 mins, and is the equivalent to 1 1/2 hours at another gym. At least that is what they say, because of the tailor made machines for a woman’s needs. I can burn nearly 300 calories in those 30 mins. I don’t get bored (which is a big issue with me and exercise) because you are switching stations every 30 seconds, and you always have someone to visit with. And it is only ladies, which I love, because I will not wear pants in front of a man. So, all in all it is a good fit for me. There probably are some new years joining specials, but I am not sure what they are. Just fyi for you ladies that are looking at different exercise options. I am excited that we are in this together, ladies!

    Comment by Jennifer Ervin (January 3, 2009 @ 2:28 pm )

50. I’m in. I have 35 pounds to lose and would love to do it before my 40th (scream of pain) birthday in April.

    I’m going back to “Thin Within” eating and exercising everyday. I started yesterday and my weight and measurements really hurt my feelings.

    Holli T.

    Comment by Holli T. (January 3, 2009 @ 3:02 pm )

51. I read your blog all the time but never comment anyway I felt the need to recommend that you at the very least skim over to at least get the basic principles of a book called Eat Fat Lose Fat by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig; you might be able to get the book at a library or you could even skim part of it over at Amazon…what I learned in my skimming of the book helped me to lose 20 lbs fairly easily and I was comfortably full all the time…mostly all I did was add coconut oil to what I ate, especially to a fruit smoothie I chose to eat in the morning. Now if your one of those people that does not like coconut flavor, then get the expeller pressed kind and you will not taste it, but you will get the same effect. Also coconut oil is expensive, but well worth it on so many levels to add it in to your diet even of you do not need/want to lose weight. I should say that was the easiest 20 lbs I ever lost it was consistent weight loss…problem is I got busy and sidetracked with life stuff 6 months ago so I stopped focusing on adding the coconut oil as often in any foods and stopped the smoothies in the morning and am slowly gaining the weight back, but I will begin focusing again this coming week…
    Ok those are my thoughts, if you should try this then I hope it works out as well for you if you try it as it did for me…..
    Kelly

    Comment by Kelly Stevens (January 3, 2009 @ 3:44 pm )

52. I’m in, although I’m already doing those things. I lost 50 pounds in 2008, and I’m hoping to do the same in 2009. I don’t have children or nearly the same time demands as you do, but I can also testify that it CAN be done. Whereas when I started I could barely do 5 minutes on an elliptical, I can now work out for an hour with no problem. I changed my life, and other people can change theirs, too. God does not want us to abuse the temple He has entrusted us with!

    My current weight is 212.

    Oh, and if anyone would like to use a FREE site that allows you to track food and exercise, try SparkPeople.com. I’ve used it since I first started losing weight, and it’s been tremendously helpful. I highly recommend it, no matter how much (or how little) weight you want to lose!

    Comment by erin (January 3, 2009 @ 3:55 pm )

53. OK, I’m popping in to answer a few questions. I’m going to update my diet blog as much as I can, so my workout thoughts, eating plans, etc. will be over there. Here is that link.

    I will post an open thread to weigh in, whine in, and talk on Fridays.

    I did this spur-of-the-moment, but I’m still committed. I would’ve organized this better if I thought about it.

    Regarding working out outside, I’d rather be trapped in a Chuckie Cheez game room than go outside in the cold. But it’s been in the 50’s and since that’s all relative now, I’ve been getting the mail. Big deal, I know, but that’s huge for me. And if you knew how far my mailbox is, you might not laugh at me.

    How do you all fit in exercising with homeschooling,other responsibilities and winter weather.?

    Greg is going out of town this week, and so I need to come up with a plan. I’m going to sit them down tonight and work something out. I can’t wait to exercise until the baby goes down (she is down to one nap a day), so I’m going to hire the big kids to babysit while I’m doing my thing. We’ll see how that goes (yes, they’ll be in the basement with me, but the baby just wants ME and that makes it hard).

    Also, if anyone can refer to a good maintenance plan to keep it off.Let us in on it!

    Don’t get pregnant? But I did NOT say that out loud.

    Our children are worth every fat glob and stretch mark. They really are. And I’m doing this for them, so that I can kick their butts in Twister.

    Well, I think that’s it. Let me know if I overlooked something. Congratulations everyone for taking baby steps in the right direction.

    You can comment here until I open the next thread on Friday. Feel free to post tips and website helps.

    See you on my Diet Diary.

    Comment by Amy Scott (January 3, 2009 @ 4:08 pm )

54. I apologize for my snarky “Don’t get pregnant” comment. That wasn’t helpful.

    I’ve never needed a maintenance plan, since really, my only issue was pregnancy and nursing. I don’t tend to gain a crazy amount of weight when I am not pregnant and nursing. When I finished my first 12 week challenge, I kept on for 1.5 years. I was addicted to the energy rush.

    Comment by Amy Scott (January 3, 2009 @ 4:14 pm )

55. I wanted to add, like Lisa in NM and Kelly mentioned…the only thing that works for me permanently is cutting the sugar and excessive flour, and replacing it with good fats.

    I read, “Breaking the Vicious Cycle” and for the first time in 34 years I felt power over sugar and flour (my weakness). I highly recommend that book if you have food sensitivities and addictions to certain foods.

    If anyone is still reading, nut flour (ground up in a vitamix or course ;), and snacking on lots of nuts (as opposed to low-cal grains) has worked wonders in keeping me full and giving me the fat I crave. The book, Nourishing Traditions, also opened my eyes to why unfermented grains/sugar cause problems for many people.

    Thanks, Amy.

    Comment by kat (January 3, 2009 @ 4:24 pm )

56. I’m with you.

    I KNOW what my best weight is. I always used to gravitate to it and felt best at it. But ten pounds left from way back when baby#2/moving/record heat all came in the same summer (Yikes! Nine years ago?) + ten pounds from the high stress of the past 2.5 years = 20 extra I’m lugging around. Let’s not even talk about the fact that fat pounds weigh less than muscle pounds, ‘cuz I’m sporting a lot more of the former now…

    I was going to think through this and other goals this week, but got lost in the fuzzy-headedness of sickness, so I’m not committing to a specific plan just yet. Give me a day… But I’m with you. I like your short-term approach!

    Comment by Marian (January 3, 2009 @ 6:26 pm )

57. Count me in. I need the accountability.
    I still have 10 kilos (not sure what that is in pounds - probably a lot)to lose after my last baby was born.
    But I have done it before and I can do it again.

    Thanks for the motivation.

    Comment by Amanda (January 3, 2009 @ 6:42 pm )

58. I just looked at your Diet Diary and I am pretty much the same weight 0ver-weight, if you count for our differences in height.*
    Kilos I am 68, pounds (I found a converter thingy)149.6
    *Please don’t tell me I am wrong. I need to feel good about myself

    Comment by Amanda (January 3, 2009 @ 6:49 pm )

59. I had to chime in, too. A few years ago, I HAD to eliminate sugar and flour from my diet - strictly for health reasons as I had a seriously compromised immune system. The side effect was weight loss. (Did you know that every time you eat sugar your immune system is immediately affected? I never knew…) I continued to eat “everything else” - fruits, vegetables, seeds & nuts, chicken, fish, organic beef, eggs, yogurt, oats, brown rice - this list goes on and on. I never felt deprived! (Honestly, it’s only hard to walk past the chocolate or bread for the first couple weeks, while you figure out what else you can eat as a substitute…) Portion control is not necessary - you can eat until your full. It’s actually all the sugar and flour that packs on the weight. This holiday season I did “cheat” and eat some Christmas cookies, fudge, etc. I probably gained 5 lbs. I haven’t weighed myself (we don’t own a working scale) but I can feel it in my clothing and I feel a little sluggish. So I’m in. The cookies and fudge were fun while they lasted but my true motivation is to do “my part” in living a long and healthy life.

    Comment by Chris (January 3, 2009 @ 7:14 pm )

60. Hey, I’m joining you. I turn 40 in a few weeks and I’m done having babies. No excuses.

    Comment by Jena (January 3, 2009 @ 8:44 pm )

61. Okay, I’ll take the plunge as well. *sigh*. Baby fat? Don’t even go there! Actually, I don’t have any baby fat. Now before ya’ll go throwing those tomatoes, let me tell you something: I was as large as I am now when I married 8 1/2 years and 5 children ago. It seems that the only time I can actually lose weight is when I’m pregnant (and then of course gain it back once I start nursing). I’ve lost from 18 to 32 lbs while pregnant. No joke. So here I am, on the verge of 30 (in a year) and I’m 25 lbs. away from 300 (see, I don’t know any of you guys “in person”, so I can say this freely without hiding under the table).

    So, I here I go. I’ll be in on this as well. I’m hoping that some accountability will help me this time. But, I’m not going to “weight in”. I’ll “measure in”. I have found, on my ever going road to weight-loss, that measuring yourself is far better than weighing yourself. There have been times that I’ve lost a total of 15″ off my body. But only lost 5 pounds. So you see the not-discouraging-results with measuring.

    Jennifer D

    Comment by Jennifer D (January 3, 2009 @ 9:02 pm )

62. In a couple of months, nursing my now 9 month old will be coming to an end (sniff sniff and hooray at the same time) and so will my jean size unless some things change. My eating/exercising habits, now that I think about it, have really gone down hill. Time to think before I eat and get some running shoes on my feet. Im game for a 12 week commitment. Hopefully it will last even longer!

    Comment by Natalie (January 3, 2009 @ 9:51 pm )

63. It’s me, the runner who listens to books on CD. In answering the question, where do I run…. I run on private trails owned by some mountain bikers. It is very safe. I love to run in the woods where I see deer, owls, and other wild life. This not only keeps me healthy but it feeds my soul. I hate to work out indoors. I need my outdoor fix regardless the weather.

    Comment by Jodi (January 3, 2009 @ 10:45 pm )

64. I’m in, Amy. I just joined a health club and everything. Short-term goal–five weeks until I return to Europe for a wee visit, so I’d like to, uh, look slightly less-fat by then? I know, I know, not much of a goal. But I’ve got about thirty pounds to lose over the next year, so let’s say five weeks, twelve weeks, one year!

    Comment by Mrs. P. (January 3, 2009 @ 10:59 pm )

65. Started officially “dieting” last week. I detest the word “diet” and will instead call it “eating for one, instead of 5.” In other words, I will no longer eat off of my family members plates, and taste test everything that comes through the front door.

    I’ve lost 3 pounds. So far. I’ve encouraged my readers to do this along with me, because misery loves company.

    So, you are definitely NOT alone!

    Comment by Fiddledeedee (January 4, 2009 @ 10:15 am )

66. I’m in, too. The babies are done; I will still breastfeed for a few more months but the lifestyle changes are starting now. I, too, will avoid sugar and flour, increase nuts and other unprocessed foods for snacks and meals, and try to move around more on purpose. I only kept about 8 baby fat pounds (six kids in nine years), but the thirty “pill” pounds I gained before the babies came is still hanging on. So, my goal will be to shoot for losing twenty-five of those in twelve weeks.

    Comment by Another Heather (January 4, 2009 @ 10:44 pm )

67. [...] I saw that my online friend Amy is starting a weight-loss challenge, and that is inspiring me to climb back up onto the wagon.  [...]

    Pingback by A Losing Battle « Girls in White Dresses (January 5, 2009 @ 5:28 am )

68. [...] am joining Amy for her exercise/weight loss challenge. I am doing my own modified version of it, though. I am [...]

    Pingback by 12 week challenge « It’s the Joys of Boys….that keep us going! … I have no greater JOY than to hear that my children are living by the Truth. 3 John 1:4 (January 5, 2009 @ 6:58 am )

69. Just gave birth to son #3 in Nov., and I now have 25 (!) lbs to lose. I’m in!

    Comment by B (January 5, 2009 @ 8:51 am )

70. Oh boy! Now, this is good to know that I have an accountability group to lean on in my own weight loss adventure. The problem with my ongoing battle with weight (lifetime issue for me and no kids to complicate it - at least yet), is my inability to stay positive and not lose sight of the objective. I know now that it’s about health and energy more than it is appearance (although I do yearn for a day when I can wear a size that is smaller just the same). And, I know that it’s just a matter of discipline. For me, it’s becoming more of a “spiritual” issue in my heart, I think. I don’t have enough faith that the Lord can see me through this struggle. I don’t know how to not eat sweets. I don’t know how to make myself do the unthinkable - work out on a regular basis. I do tend to beat myself up for not being able to achieve this small goal (well, not as small as 20 lbs but still I’d be good with 40 and that’s not nearly the impossible, I know). Anyway, don’t take this as a comment on how anyone else should or shouldn’t view the weightloss thing. I’m just making mention of how it personally works on and in me these days. I’m determined (although I say that in weak, if any, faith) to accomplish a healthy weight in 2009 if only to prove to myself that I can be a disciplined individual and do what I should do. I’m glad to think that the diet diary posts will help motivate and encourage me to keep working at it with you guys.

    Comment by Alison (January 5, 2009 @ 11:47 am )

71. I’m in! I’ve lost 47 pounds since Aug. 20 and probably gained 5 over Christmas. I am back at it as of last night. I feel great to be back under control…the holidays were horrible. I need to get back to walking 3-4 times per week.

    Don’t forget to drink lots of water!
    Eat only good, natural carbs.
    I eat a lot of eggs, fish, chicken, cottage cheese and cheese sticks.

    Go get em Amy.

    Comment by Janet (January 5, 2009 @ 3:20 pm )

72. I need it too. I have 13 pounds to lose because that’s what I have gained. Plus a few extra so I can be under. I found a diet and exercise blog but I can’t remember it right now because I just found it. I think she’s a fitness instructor or something (sorry, but I can’t remember). I can give you the link if you want to know it. Just email me or leave a comment if you want to know it.

    Comment by momstheword (January 6, 2009 @ 1:07 am )

73. Count me in too! I`ve been reading your blog for a long time, but I’ve never commented. My third baby is six months old now and I have 14 pounds to loose from my last two pregnancies. I just finished off the last package of cookies in the house today so I’ll start tomorrow.

    Comment by Anonymous (January 6, 2009 @ 1:16 pm )

74. Count me in too! I’ve never commented here although I’ve read your blog for a while. Guess I can start now =) My baby is six months old soon and I have 15 pounds to loose from my last two pregnancies. I would love to fit into more than two pairs of pants again and to have more energy. I just finished the last package of cookies tonight so I guess I can start tomorrow.

    Comment by Connie (January 6, 2009 @ 1:23 pm )

75. Hi Amy- I (thankfully) don’t have any weight to lose now, but that wasn’t always the case. But I am writing to say I have an extra copy of Body for Life if anyone wants it - FREE! I’ll drop it in the mail.

    Comment by Jill (January 6, 2009 @ 2:17 pm )

76. Sorry about the double comment up there Amy. There aren’t two women with babies about the same age who just finished the last package of cookies nine minutes apart. I was interrupted and when I came back my comment was missing before I’d put my name in. Guess it got sent. oops.

    Comment by Connie (January 6, 2009 @ 3:46 pm )

77. Hi Amy, I’m joining in too. 15 lbs would take me to where I was before kids, and 25 would take me back to where I was before marriage! I used to excercise a lot and am equally interested in toning up again, so we’ll see how it goes! Thanks for the challenge. I love the weight loss diary - did you really chop off all your hair? Pictures please!!

    Comment by Sarah Jane (January 7, 2009 @ 8:49 am )

78. [...] is some guy who’s got a P30Q90-something. I bet it is a fat sucking machine. It works while you watch TV I bet. This is serious ladies. Step [...]

    Pingback by Amy’s Humble Musings » $200 to one of you (January 7, 2009 @ 5:08 pm )

79. I’m in…need to lose about 40 pounds.

    Comment by Jasmine (January 8, 2009 @ 8:40 pm )

80. This is my first time over here but I would like to join in on the 12 week challenge! I need to lose more than 40 lbs but I think that is an excellent place to start!

    Comment by Candace (January 9, 2009 @ 1:02 pm )

81. Found your blog about a week ago and have been slowly reading from beginning to end (almost there!). Thought I should finally leave you a comment.

    I wish I could blame the child…but he’s almost 9 and we adopted him. Don’t currently have a working scale but the last time I weighed myself I was 198 and I’m only 4′11″ so I really need to get myself in gear. Since I’m still wearing the same clothes as I was the last time I was able to weight myself I’m going to take a stab in the dark and say that I weigh roughly the same now. I’ll let you know as soon as I weigh in somewhere.

    I’m taking your challenge! Game on!

    Comment by Kim (January 9, 2009 @ 1:15 pm )

82. I’m late, but doing this for the accountability. I already excercise, but am cutting out desserts for the 12 weeks with you, smaller portions. . . I really just want to tone the tubby, I mean tummy. I accidentally typed tubby and decided to leave it. :o) I haven’t weighed myself since we moved to Alaska 4 months ago, but around 130.

    Comment by Carrie (January 21, 2009 @ 5:46 pm )

83. How did it go?

    Well, I totally missed the boat as it is the 31st May…BUT I’m going to do a 12 week challenge anyway, cause I need to lose a few extra kg’s and feel better within myself. I’d love to get that energized, healthy feeling back! So - here I go!

    Comment by The2kayvees (May 30, 2009 @ 8:03 pm )

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